4. PLANNING, INDUSTRY AND ENVIRONMENT CLUSTER

4.1 Introduction

The Planning, Industry and Environment Cluster is Recurrent $5.9 Expenses responsible for the stewardship of the NSW Government’s billion 2020-21 natural and built assets. The Cluster’s key areas of focus include planning and enabling value-adding development and infrastructure that drives economic activity, protecting Capital $772.6 our native flora and fauna, ensuring our energy security Expenditure million 2020-21 through lower carbon emissions options, creating better public and open spaces, securing and improving the State’s water supply, increasing housing affordability and supply, and improving outcomes for Aboriginal people across the State.

State Outcomes to be delivered by the Planning, Industry and Environment Cluster State Outcomes Example Programs(a) What the Cluster is delivering for people and underway to support delivery of Outcomes business

1. Connecting communities to resilient and sustainable energy and local environments • Conserving and preserving national parks • Accessing secure and sustainable energy Protecting and preserving the quality of our • Supporting a sustainable, climate-resilient environment via active stewardship to support a

healthy New South Wales while securing an NSW affordable, reliable and sustainable energy future. • Encouraging a circular economy to better manage our resources 2020-21 investment: $2.0 billion recurrent expenses & $229.9 million capital expenditure

2. Create a strong and liveable NSW Planning for great places that create the conditions for • Coordinating and enabling the place and prosperity, economic development, innovation and infrastructure outcomes of regional plans jobs, delivering infrastructure and a diverse housing • Delivering better outcomes for place, mix that responds to the needs of communities, and design, public spaces and green

securing environmental sustainability, good design, infrastructure greener places and safe and inclusive public spaces • Make strong, fair and quick assessments that bring communities together. driving balanced outcomes 2020-21 investment: $1.2 billion recurrent expenses & $28.8 million capital expenditure

3. Maximise community benefit from government land and property • Better use of land and property Delivering a coordinated, strategic approach to the use • Empowering Aboriginal communities for of government-owned property to maximise independent social and economic futures

community benefits by delivering quality public spaces • Better place creation and diverse housing outcomes. • Optimise benefits of Crown land 2020-21 investment: $2.0 billion recurrent expenses & $499.2 million capital expenditure

Outcome Statement 2020-21 4 - 1 Planning, Industry and Environment Cluster

State Outcomes Example Programs(a) What the Cluster is delivering for people and underway to support delivery of Outcomes business

4. Sustainable, secure and healthy water resources and services Providing confidence to communities and stakeholders • Improved water sustainability, access and through the transparent stewardship of water health resources, provision of services and reforms that support sustainable and healthy environments, • Improved water regulation economies and societies across New South Wales.

2020-21 investment: $698.4 million recurrent expenses & $14.7 million capital expenditure

(a) Note that Programs are being further refined as the outcome and performance framework continues to mature.

4 - 2 Outcomes Statement 2020-21 Planning, Industry and Environment Cluster

4.2 Overview of Cluster expenses by State Outcome

A summary of expenses by State Outcome is provided in the chart and table below.

Chart 4.1: Recurrent expenses by Outcome 2020-21 (dollars and %)

Chart 4.2: Capital expenditure by Outcome 2020-21 (dollars and %)

Note: The sum of percentages does not equal one hundred due to rounding.

(a) Grouped for presentation purposes, “Other State Outcomes” comprises: • Create a strong and liveable NSW • Sustainable, secure and healthy water resources and services.

Outcomes Statement 2020-21 4 - 3 Planning, Industry and Environment Cluster

4.3 Outcome 1: Connecting communities to resilient and sustainable energy and local environments

State Outcome overview and 2020-21 investment Protecting and preserving the quality of our environment Recurrent through active stewardship to support a healthy New South $2.0 Expenses billion Wales and securing an affordable, reliable and sustainable 2020-21 energy future.

The State Outcome comprises activity across energy, Capital $229.9 Expenditure climate change and sustainability; nature including habitat million 2020-21 conservation, threatened species and aquatic habitats; nature-based experiences in national parks and zoos; and human and environmental health through regulation. Delivery is shared by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, the NSW Environment Protection Authority, Natural Resources Commission, Biodiversity Conservation Trust, Zoological Parks Board, and Environmental Trust.

2020-21 State Outcome Budget highlights In 2020-21, the Planning, Industry and Environment Cluster will invest $2.3 billion ($2.0 billion recurrent expenses and $229.9 million capital expenditure) in this Outcome, including:  $1.1 billion ($3.4 billion expenses and $508.6 million capital over four years) to support our national parks and natural habitats across the State, including: – undertaking targeted post-fire bushfire recovery actions and additional bushfire management capacity for National Parks – continued investment in land management and biodiversity conservation that protects New South Wales’ unique native plants and animals including koalas, across public land and private land – upgraded national parks infrastructure and acquisition of new land to meet growing domestic tourism demand and deliver quality experiences for visitors – further investment in our zoos including an additional $37.5 million over two years towards expanded wildlife hospital facilities at Taronga Zoo Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo – investment in long-term sustainable management of coasts, estuaries and floodplains through environmental water programs  $649.2 million ($2.1 billion expenses and $43.2 million capital over four years) to ensure the long-term reliability, affordability and sustainability of the electricity system, to reduce emissions and climate impacts across the New South Wales economy and to help low income households to manage cost of living pressures through energy rebate and emergency relief programs. This includes $49.7 million over two years in recoverable grants for pumped hydro projects to improve competition under the Electricity Infrastructure Investment Safeguard as part of the NSW Government’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap

4 - 4 Outcomes Statement 2020-21 Planning, Industry and Environment Cluster

 $96.0 million ($234.8 million expenses and $5.0 million capital over four years) for improved waste management and promoting a circular economy including: – driving strategic policies, programs and initiatives, such as a 20-year Waste Strategy and Plastics Plan – the Waste Less Recycle More program to transform waste management in New South Wales, increase education and improve waste management practices across the community – addressing lead contamination in Broken Hill  $11.0 million ($67.7 million over four years) in grants to councils to undertake coastal and estuary planning projects and implement works identified in certified coastal zone management plans and coastal management programs.

Key performance insights This section provides analysis and insights on key Outcome Indicators for this State Outcome.

Energy as a proportion of the average household cost of living This indicator demonstrates the household energy bill savings driven by NSW Government energy affordability programs. It measures the direct impact of NSW Government actions to reduce energy costs for consumers. Electricity bills as a proportion of disposable income increased in recent years due to the rise in wholesale electricity prices following the closure of power stations in other states. Performance against this indicator has improved, as the increase in household electricity costs began to subside in 2018-19 with the new generation coming online. These lower costs are expected to continue in 2020-21 and beyond under the NSW Government’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap and the indicator is on track to achieve its performance target. Under the Roadmap to modernise the electricity system and unlock internationally competitive energy prices, households are expected to save an average of $130 annually on electricity bills between 2023 to 2040.

Chart 4.3: Energy as a proportion of the average household cost of living

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3.1 Per cent

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2.7 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 Actual Actual Actual Forecast Target

Note: 2019-20 actual data is not yet available, and an estimate for 2019-20 has been provided.

Outcomes Statement 2020-21 4 - 5 Planning, Industry and Environment Cluster

Millions of tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions (MtCO2-e) emitted annually in New South Wales (DPIE) The NSW Government’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 is set out in the NSW Climate Change Policy Framework released in 2016. This indicator measures greenhouse gas emissions from all sectors of the NSW economy and all other emitting activities occurring in New South Wales. Performance against this indicator has remained stable in recent years, following a decline in NSW emissions, with 2018 emissions 17 per cent lower than 2005 levels. The Net Zero Plan Stage 1: 2020-2030 sets out the NSW Government’s plan to reduce emissions by 35 per cent by 2030 compared to 2005 levels and ultimately achieve net zero emissions in ways that grow the economy or reduce the cost of living and doing business. The NSW Government has committed $3.5 billion from 2020-21 to 2029-30 to support climate change related initiatives. Further detailed plans will be developed over the next two decades to ensure net zero emissions are achieved by 2050.

Chart 4.4: Millions of tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions (MtCO2-e) emitted annually in NSW

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140

120

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80

60 Million tonnes

40

20

0 2015-16 2017-18 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 … 2029-30 Actual Actual Forecast Forecast Target

Note: 2019-20 actual data is not yet available, and an estimate for 2019-20 has been provided.

Number of visitors each year to national parks and zoos (DPIE & Zoological Board of NSW) Nature-based experiences are vital to people’s health and wellbeing and the New South Wales economy. Maintaining performance against this indicator has been challenging. New South Wales expects to see increased domestic tourism in 2020-21, driven by more Australians seeking to enjoy nature in their own backyard, as more state and territory border restrictions ease and national borders remain closed to international travel. However, the impact of border closures means reduced visitor numbers to our State, particularly to our world-class zoos.

4 - 6 Outcomes Statement 2020-21 Planning, Industry and Environment Cluster

Chart 4.6: Number of visitors each year to national parks and zoos

70 2.5

60 2 50

1.5 40

Millions 30 1

20 0.5 10

0 0 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Forecast/Target

Visitors to parks (Million) (LHS) Visitors to zoos (Million) (RHS)

Note: For Parks, 2019-20 actual data will be available in March 2021. It is not possible to provide an accurate 2019-20 or 2020- 21 forecast due to unknown impacts of COVID-19 and bushfires. Note: For Zoos, a 2020-21 forecast is provided as well as the 2020-21 target.

Performance indicators for this Outcome

2019-20 2020-21 Outcome Indicators Units Actual Forecast Proportion of prioritised aquatic habitats receiving environmental water in NSW % 25.0 25.0 Energy as a proportion of the average household cost of living %3.1(a) 3.0 Number of environmental incidents impacting human health and the environment no. 8,933 8,933

Millions of tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions (MtCO2-e) emitted annually in NSW no. 133.4(a) 131.3 NSW Energy Security Target met Demand MW 15,185 15,590 Supply MW 15,544 15,580 Number of hectares managed for conservation, including national parks and reserves, and private land million Private land Ha 0.29 n.a.(b) million Public land (c) Ha 7.221 7.356 Number of visitors each year to national parks and zoos Number of visitors to parks (d) million 60.2 n.a.(b) Number of visitors to zoos million 1.53 1.06 Number threatened, or previously locally extinct, species and ecological communities on track to be secure in the wild no. 271(a) 271

Notes (a) 2019-20 data is not yet available, and an estimate for 2019-20 has been provided. (b) Accurate forecasts for 2020-21 are not available, due to unknown impacts of COVID-19 and bushfires. (c) These figures are reported to 3 decimal places, due to the magnitude of the numbers. (d) 2017-18 data has been provided, as 2019-20 data will not be available until March 2021.

Outcomes Statement 2020-21 4 - 7 Planning, Industry and Environment Cluster

4.4 Outcome 2: Create a strong and liveable NSW

State Outcome overview and 2020-21 investment Planning for great places that create the conditions for Recurrent $1.2 prosperity, economic development, innovation and jobs, Expenses billion delivering infrastructure and a diverse housing mix that 2020-21 responds to the needs of communities, and securing environmental sustainability, good design, greener places Capital $28.8 and safe and inclusive public spaces that bring communities Expenditure million together. 2020-21

The State Outcome comprises initiatives aimed to improve liveability across New South Wales with enhanced open, green and public spaces and planning efficiencies that deliver economic stimulus and increase housing supply and infrastructure in growth areas.

2020-21 State Outcome Budget highlights In 2020-21, the Planning, Industry and Environment Cluster will invest $1.3 billion ($1.2 billion recurrent expenses and $28.8 million capital expenditure) in this Outcome, including:  $244.3 million ($520.1 million expenses and $53.2 million capital over four years) to deliver the NSW Planning Reform Action Plan to improve the speed, effectiveness and efficiency of the NSW planning system. This includes $76.3 million ($250.0 million over three years) for the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program, which will accelerate planning assessments and fund new and improved public and open spaces across the State. Other planning reforms include consolidating employment zones to improve simplicity and flexibility; and optimising the use of industrial land to generate greater economic value and employment  $78.5 million ($314.0 million expenses over four years) for pensioner council rate concessions to assist with the cost of living  $46.4 million ($143.5 million capital over three years) to continue the Strategic Open Spaces Program across Greater Sydney, including: new and upgraded parks at Penrith, Ermington, Appin, Leppington, Frenchs Forest, Carramar, Beaumont Hills, Hurstville; and funding for Callan Park  $32.8 million to help councils meet increases in the Emergency Services Levy to pay for new compensation arrangements for firefighters who develop cancer  $26.0 million over two years from 2021-22 to support small businesses to accelerate research and development in New South Wales, including: – $24.0 million for a Small Business Innovation & Research Program, providing competitive grants for NSW small-medium enterprises to commercialise innovative solutions to well-defined government problems. The program will grow a pipeline of innovative, fit-for-purpose products and services from SMEs with Government as their proactive customer – $2.0 million for an online R&D matchmaking platform, which will link research ‘sellers’ and infrastructure to research ‘buyers’ and investors, allowing researchers to work closely with government and industry to translate ideas into new products, services and jobs

4 - 8 Outcomes Statement 2020-21 Planning, Industry and Environment Cluster

 $19.2 million ($24.6 million expenses and $40.0 million capital over three years) for the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan to acquire the first stage of the Georges River Koala Reserve, restoring native plants for koala habitat, installation of koala exclusion fencing to protect koalas from urban interfaces and establishment of biodiversity stewardship agreements on up to 540 hectares of conservation lands in the Greater Macarthur Growth Area  $16.5 million ($69.3 million grant expenses over four years) to deliver the Roads to Home Program, which will provide planning and infrastructure upgrades to up to seven further Aboriginal communities, in addition to the original 10 communities  $14.8 million over four years to build a more efficient and certain infrastructure contributions system, with the NSW Productivity Commission due to provide specific recommendations to Government in late 2020  $5.6 million for the Companion Animals Fund to support councils to deliver services related to pet cats and dogs including pounds/shelters, ranger services, dog exercise areas, education and awareness programs.

Key performance insights This section provides analysis and insights on key Outcome Indicators for this State Outcome.

Ensure 17 per cent reduction in State significant development assessment times from 120 to 100 days by June 2023 (except projects subject to an Independent Planning Commission hearing) Performance against this indicator has been challenging. However, in 2020 the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment is introducing bold reforms to create a more timely, certain and transparent planning system for New South Wales. Timely assessment of development proposals, under the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 delivers benefits for the people of New South Wales, including increased investment in infrastructure, additional jobs, more housing and growth in resources. These are significant contributors to the economic prosperity of the State.

Chart 4.7: Number of days to complete state significant development assessments

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80 Days 60

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0 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 Actual Actual Forecast Target

Outcomes Statement 2020-21 4 - 9 Planning, Industry and Environment Cluster

Increase the proportion of homes in urban areas within 10 minutes’ walk of quality green, open and public space by 10 per cent by 2023 Performance against this Premier’s Priority is expected to achieve the target by June 2023. This will be supported by a methodology developed to deliver this Premier’s Priority by increasing access to new and improved public spaces for 10 per cent of homes in the urban areas of New South Wales. This means a minimum of 230,000 homes across New South Wales will have access to more walkable, connected and accessible public spaces within 10 minutes’ walk by June 2023. As at 30 June 2020, new or improved public space projects have increased walkable 10- minute access for 73,330 homes within the urban areas of New South Wales.

Chart 4.8: Percentage increase of homes in urban areas within 10 minutes’ walk of new or improved public space

12

10

8

6 Per cent

4

2

0 Nov-2019 Mar-2020 Jun-2020 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 Actual Actual Actual Forecast Target

Plant one million trees across Greater Sydney by 2022 The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment is partnering with the private sector, non-government organisations and local government to plant one million trees by 2022. Trees play an important role in creating places that people connect with, provide vital shade, improve air quality, and support biodiversity. Performance against this Premier’s Priority is expected to meet the target with more than 550,000 trees already registered and/or procured to be planted.

Chart 4.9: Number of trees planted across Greater Sydney

1,200,000

1,000,000

800,000

600,000 Trees

400,000

200,000

0 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 Actual Actual Actual Actual Forecast Target

4 - 10 Outcomes Statement 2020-21 Planning, Industry and Environment Cluster

Performance indicators for this Outcome

2019-20 2020-21 Outcome Indicators Units Actual Forecast

Ensure a 17 per cent reduction in state significant development assessment times from 120 to 100 days by June 2023 (except projects subject to an Independent Planning Commission hearing) days 131 116 Increase the proportion of homes in urban areas within 10 minutes’ walk of quality green, open and public space by 10 per cent by 2023 (a) % 3.2 5.7 Plant one million trees across Greater Sydney by 2022 no. 301,092 450,000

100 per cent of precincts delivered within publicly stated timeframes(b) %N/A(b) 50

Notes (a) Figures are rounded up to nearest percentage for presentational purposes. (b) No precincts scheduled for delivery in 2019-20.

Outcomes Statement 2020-21 4 - 11 Planning, Industry and Environment Cluster

4.5 Outcome 3: Maximise community benefit from government land and property

State Outcome overview and 2020-21 investment Delivering a coordinated, strategic approach to the use of government-owned property to maximise community Recurrent $2.0 Expenses benefits by delivering quality public spaces and diverse billion 2020-21 housing outcomes. The State Outcome comprises activities aimed at improving Capital $499.2 asset management; the development of new, and Expenditure million maintenance of existing, social housing; the management of 2020-21 Crown land; the increase of supply of housing for Aboriginal communities; and improvements to public spaces and parklands. Delivery is shared by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, Land and Housing Corporation, Aboriginal Housing Office, Property NSW, Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust, Centennial and Moore Park Trust and Western Sydney Parklands Trust.

2020-21 State Outcome Budget highlights In 2020-21, the Planning, Industry and Environment Cluster will invest $2.5 billion ($2.0 billion recurrent expenses and $499.2 million capital expenditure) in this Outcome, including:  $225.8 million ($591.6 million expenses and $146.7 million capital over four years) for Sydney Olympic Park Authority to enhance the Sydney 2000 Olympic precinct and create a vibrant, sustainable community within an unrivalled destination for sport, entertainment, recreation and business, including an additional $81.4 million for Stadium Australia maintenance and upgrades for major events including the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup  $182.9 million ($400.0 million expenses over three years) for the construction and acceleration of new social housing properties across New South Wales by the Land and Housing Corporation  $176.4 million ($162.5 million expenses and $93.5 million capital over two years) to create better public and open spaces and improve government infrastructure to support services. Key initiatives over the next two years include: – $104.0 million to upgrade showgrounds, public reserves and Men’s Shed facilities to support local communities across New South Wales – $60.8 million to upgrade accommodation for front line workers in rural and remote communities, and upgrade government service locations throughout the State – $39.5 million to improve access to high quality nature-based experiences by upgrading National Parks’ infrastructure, access roads and carparks, and reduce pests and weeds – $36.1 million to enhance parklands and gardens, protect major heritage assets and support participation in sport and cultural activities in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Domain, Centennial Park and Moore Park – $15.7 million to increase participation in sport and cultural activities, and improve visitor experiences at Sydney Olympic Park facilities

4 - 12 Outcomes Statement 2020-21 Planning, Industry and Environment Cluster

 $110.0 million ($200.0 million expenses over two years) for upgrades and maintenance to social housing properties, including properties managed by Community Housing Providers, to improve the quality, comfort and safety of housing for tenants and provide jobs for NSW workers  $96.4 million ($164.7 million expenses and $97.2 million capital over four years) for improvements to the Greater Sydney Parklands including: developing the Western Sydney parklands into a multi-use urban parkland that provides a diverse range of recreational, entertainment and tourist facilities; and improving Centennial Park and Moore Park trust lands to increase public use and enhance recreational, cultural and environmental value of the parklands  $69.4 million ($110.9 million expenses and $82.3 million capital over four years) for improvements to the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust including: improvements to the Australian Institute of Botanical Science facilities, and delivering a new botanical facility in Western Sydney to ensure the security of plant specimens essential for conservation, bushfire regeneration and ongoing management of the natural environment  $36.4 million ($127.9 million capital expenditure over four years) for new Aboriginal social and community housing, upgrades and maintenance works, including roof restorations/replacements, recladding, solar power installations, drought relief hydro panels, climate resilient housing works and air conditioning  $20.0 million ($80.0 million expenses over four years) for 300 new housing sector pre- apprenticeships, apprenticeships and cadetships to provide career pathways for young people and social housing tenants.

Key performance insights This section provides analysis and insights on key Outcome Indicators for this State Outcome.

Number of additional and upgraded homes that have commenced construction in priority communities The NSW Government is investing in social and affordable housing for priority communities in New South Wales to deliver diverse housing options where it is needed most leveraging government land and property. Performance against this indicator is currently exceeding the 2020-21 target. 714 additional and upgraded homes commenced construction in priority communities in 2019-20, with a further 682 planned for 2020-21.

Outcomes Statement 2020-21 4 - 13 Planning, Industry and Environment Cluster

Chart 4.10: Number of additional/upgraded homes that have commenced construction in priority communities

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0 Sep-2019 Dec-2019 Mar-2020 Jun-2020 2020-21 Actual Actual Actual Actual Forecast/Target

Note: A 2020-21 forecast is provided as well as the 2020-21 target.

Percentage of entities in the DPIE Housing and Property group that are compliant with TPP19-07 NSW Asset Management Policy by 2024 The objective of the Asset Management Policy for the NSW Public Sector is to achieve a consistent and improved approach to asset planning and delivery. The indicator demonstrates to the people of New South Wales that the Government is continuously monitoring the performance and condition of its assets, increasing public accountability, and seeking to obtain better value from public funds. This is a new indicator with full compliance required by June 2024.

Performance indicators for this Outcome

2019-20 2020-21 Outcome Indicators Units Actual Forecast

Number of additional/upgraded homes that have commenced construction in priority communities no. 714.0 682.0 Number of reviews completed on NSW Government land and property in strategic precincts and/or portfolios no. 4.0 5.0

4 - 14 Outcomes Statement 2020-21 Planning, Industry and Environment Cluster

4.6 Outcome 4: Sustainable, secure and healthy water resources and services

State Outcome overview and 2020-21 investment

Providing confidence to communities and stakeholders Recurrent $698.4 through the transparent stewardship of water resources, and Expenses million provision of services and reforms that support sustainable 2020-21 and healthy environments, economies and societies across New South Wales. Capital $14.7 Expenditure million The State Outcome comprises activities aimed at improving 2020-21 water sustainability, access to and the health of water, improving water regulation, and increasing the safety of NSW dams. Responsibility for delivery of this State Outcome is shared by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (Water Group) and the Natural Resources Access Regulator.

2020-21 State Outcome Budget highlights In 2020-21, the Planning, Industry and Environment Cluster will invest $713.1 million ($698.4 million recurrent expenses and $14.7 million capital expenditure) in this Outcome, including:  $188.5 million ($754.5 million expenses over four years) for water rebates to low income households to assist with cost of living  $122.0 million ($139.6 million over four years) to continue commitments for drought relief including: – $58.4 million for critical drought infrastructure – $38.0 million for accelerated ground water assessments and rebates for licence holders – $18.5 million for emergency water carting and infrastructure to ensure critical regional town water supply – $7.1 million for business and household water saving and resourcing  $44.9 million ($61.6 million over two years) for the regional water stimulus program delivering urgent water infrastructure to improve water supply management, water security and supplementary supply via stormwater harvesting  $35.3 million ($231.2 million over four years) under the Safe and Secure Water Program for critical local water infrastructure to maintain town water supply  $30.3 million ($80.1 million over four years) to deliver investigation and enforcement of suspicious activities and alleged breaches to water regulation in New South Wales and manage dam safety.

Outcomes Statement 2020-21 4 - 15 Planning, Industry and Environment Cluster

Key performance insights This section provides analysis and insights on key Outcome Indicators for this State Outcome.

Gigalitres saved, offset or brought into an improved framework as a result of investment in water efficiency projects This indicator validates the investment in water efficiency projects and demonstrates that water initiatives are effective in ensuring sustainable and secure water resources across NSW. The important outcomes of this investment include sustainable management of groundwater resources and an increased resilience in times of drought. The persistent drought conditions through the majority of 2019–20 and the COVID-19 pandemic both presented challenges in delivering secure and healthy water resources to the State. Performance against this indicator is now on track to achieve the targeted 800 million litres saved for the year. This builds on the successful planning phase undertaken in 2019-20, which included assessing groundwater bores for capping, site surveys, conceptual designs and procurement strategies. Future water savings are forecast to increase towards the targeted four billion litres saved by June 2023.

Chart 4.11: Gigalitres saved, offset or brought into an improved framework as a result of investment in water efficiency projects

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0 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 Actual Actual Actual Actual Forecast Target

Proportion of water strategy actions implemented across New South Wales This indicator demonstrates that the NSW Government is ensuring efficient use of resources and planning for future water security for both regional and metropolitan New South Wales. It tracks the number of water strategies completed and the progress of water strategy action investment across New South Wales to enable greater sustainability and the security and health of water resources. The Greater Hunter Regional Strategy was completed in 2018 and is now being implemented. The draft Regional Water Strategies for the Lachlan, Macquarie, Gwydir, Border Rivers, Far North Coast and South Coast are on public exhibition as of 30 October 2020. The remaining Regional Water Strategies are scheduled for public consultation over the coming months and into 2021.

4 - 16 Outcomes Statement 2020-21 Planning, Industry and Environment Cluster

Performance against this indicator is expected to meet the target. In 2020-21 the indicator is on track to achieve implementation of 20 per cent of water strategy actions, with this figure growing to 60 per cent by 2023 as additional water strategies are completed and commence implementation.

Chart 4.12: Proportion of water strategy actions implemented across NSW

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0 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 Actual Forecast Target

Proportion of reports of alleged breaches of water law assigned a risk rating and allocated for action on time This indicator drives confidence in the water management framework through improved compliance and enforcement, and aims to demonstrate improvement in the efficiency, effectiveness and prudency of the Natural Resources Access Regulator’s activities by measuring high-level outcome and activity performance. Performance against this indicator is expected to meet the target of above 90 per cent of alleged water breaches triaged within five days by June 2023 to inform prioritisation of investigation activity. As at 30 June 2020, 85 per cent of reports were triaged within five days.

Chart 4.13: Proportion of reports of alleged breaches of water law assigned a risk rating and allocated for action on time

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0 Sep-2019 Dec-2019 Mar-2020 Jun-2020 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 Actual Actual Actual Actual Forecast Target

Outcomes Statement 2020-21 4 - 17 Planning, Industry and Environment Cluster

Performance indicators for this Outcome

2019-20 2020-21 Outcome Indicators Units Actual Forecast

Gigalitres saved, offset or brought into an improved framework as a result of investment in water efficiency projects GL 0.0 0.8 Improved stakeholder experience % Increase in collaborate 15.0 2.0 Increase in consult 42.0 42.0 Increase in empower 1.0 1.0 Increase in involve 27.0 27.0 Proportion of 92 water utilities across NSW assessed as improved on environmental, water quality, and affordability metrics on an annual basis % 76.0 80.0 Proportion of reports of alleged breaches of water law assigned a risk rating and allocated for action on time % 85.0 90.0 Proportion of water strategy actions implemented across NSW % 3.0 20.0 Water resources are demonstrated to be well managed, as measured by proportion of water sharing plans implemented as demonstrated through audit and evaluation % 78.0 85.0

4 - 18 Outcomes Statement 2020-21